Partnership for turnkey industrial solutions
Norsk Elektro Optikk AS (NEO), a leading payload provider of high-performance hyperspectral imaging systems, has signed a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) to complete the design and manufacturing of HyperNOR S-1280, the first spaceborne instrument in the HySpex HyperNOR family. The next-generation in-orbit hyperspectral demonstrator is designed to unlock the full potential of extended Short-Wave Infrared (eSWIR, 950–2500 nm) imaging from space.
The HyperNOR S -1280 instrument is being realised under ESAs General Support Technology Programme (GSTP), with support from the Norwegian Space Agency (NOSA). The contract enables a complete payload development pathway—from Qualification Model (QM) to Flight Model (FM), culminating in launch as an In-Orbit Demonstrator (IOD) in the first half of 2028. By combining qualification, flight readiness, and in-orbit validation within a single framework, GSTP accelerates the transition of HySpex’s proven hyperspectral sensor technology from airborne and laboratory domains into space, while reducing risk and establishing a robust foundation for future operational missions and constellations.
HyperNOR S-1280 represents a significant advancement in hyperspectral Earth observation. As an ESA-supported GSTP/IOD mission, it is designed to close the commercial eSWIR gap in space-based imaging, enabling a new generation of high-impact applications for downstream providers.
“The HyperNOR S-1280 represents a critical step forward in bringing high-quality, calibration-grade hyperspectral data into space,” says Lars O. Lierstuen, Head of Space & Business Development at NEO. “By combining high spatial resolution with robust eSWIR coverage, we are enabling continuity from lab to orbit and paving the way for next-generation hyperspectral constellations.”
After a series of successful collaborations on mutual customers and projects during the last two years, the companies now take the next step. The partnership is formed as an investment from HySpex for joint ownership in Prediktera and a long-term commitment to strengthen the services and solutions aimed at OEMs and industrial customers.
“Hyperspectral imaging is gaining a lot of momentum for quality control and process monitoring, and this investment allows us to accelerate the development of our integrated real-time solutions with Breeze and Breeze Runtime,” says Oskar Jonsson, CTO at Prediktera.
“We are thrilled to announce this strengthened offering for the growing industrial market. By further integrating with the powerful software from Prediktera we can add more value to our customers and shorten their time-to-market when implementing hyperspectral applications”, Trond Løke, CEO at the HySpex division says.
The announcement coincides with both Prediktera and HySpex exhibiting at the Whispers 2019 conference in Amsterdam to demonstrate the new camera line and software integration.
HySpex is an industry-leading brand for both airborne and ground-based hyperspectral imaging. HySpex sensors are renowned for their stability, flexibility and superior data quality. HySpex is the hyperspectral imaging division of NEO, Norsk Elektro Optikk AS.
Contact: Trond Løke, CEO HySpex Division, www.hyspex.com.
Prediktera produces state-of-the-art software for hyperspectral imaging. Through their software suite, they make it easier to apply hyperspectral imaging in applications ranging from research and routine analysis to realtime process integration.
Contact: Andreas Vidman, CEO Prediktera AB, www.prediktera.com.
